Why should I feel a responsibility to give to the Annual Ministry Appeal?

The theme for the Annual Ministry Appeal 2018 is “Faith, Family, Future” Some of the ministries that help us do this are, Vocations Program (funds the tuition, room, and board for our seminarians at a cost of between $42,000 and $45,000 per year, per seminarian-blessed with 19 men who have accepted the call to discern and prepare for the priesthood); Catholic Schools (provides Catholic education), Catechetical Ministries (provides training for catechists in English and Spanish to teach our children), Youth and Young Adult Ministry (empowers and educates our youth and young adults) and many other needed services best provided at the diocesan level.

As Catholics, we profess the belief that we are part of One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. This belief extends beyond our parish faith community to include both the diocesan church and the universal church. Diocesan ministries and services reach beyond the scope of any individual parish. While regular gifts to your parish are important, your annual gift to your diocese is equally important.

How does the Annual Ministry Appeal benefit my parish and me?

In the Annual Ministry Appeal brochure, there is a list of the ministries of the Diocese that are funded by the Annual Ministry Appeal.You and thousands of your fellow parishioners are directly or indirectly served through these diocesan ministries.

How do I convey the importance of the Annual Ministry Appeal to my parish?

There are ministries and services that could not exist at the parish level without the Diocesan office that provides support and training. Some of these include:

Seminarians and Priests through Vocations Program

Permanent Diaconate

Parish catechism for children, teens, and adults

Youth & Young Adult Groups

Respect Life

How do I make my pledge to the Annual Ministry Appeal?

You will be asked to complete a pledge envelope at Mass on Appeal Weekend. Just fill out the envelope and place it in the collection basket during the Offertory of the Mass on that weekend or bring it to the Parish office at your convenience (Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm).

How much should I pledge?

Your Annual Ministry Appeal pledge is part of your Christian stewardship of treasure. All families are asked to consider a sacrificial gift to the appeal. First consider the many ways God has blessed you and your loved ones, then make a generous pledge that says how grateful you are for God’s gifts.

Why are pledges encouraged, instead of one-time donations?

Pledges provide parishioners with the opportunity to increase their sacrificial gift to the mission of the Church by spreading their donations over an eight-month period.

What payment methods can I use to make my pledge?

Pledges paid by monthly installments over an eight-month period by credit card or direct debit (direct charge) to your checking or savings account. Donors choosing Electronic Funds Transfers will have their credit cards or checking accounts charged on the 16th of the month that payment is due.

One time payments can be paid by check or credit card or direct debit to your checking or savings account.Online giving is available at www.dioceseofmonterey.org/ama

How is the money from the Annual Ministry Appeal allocated?

This year’s Diocesan goal of $1,000,000 provides some of the income required to sustain Diocesan ministries and services.

When the parish exceeds their goal, 100% of the overage will be returned to the parish.

It is important to know that money designated for the Annual Ministry Appeal is used only for that purpose.

What is the parish goal of 2018, for Madonna del Sasso Parish?

The Diocese has set Madonna del Sasso Parish’s goal at $49,700.00 for the Annual Ministry Appeal 2017. The goal our parish has set for 2017 is $100,000 (one hundred thousand dollars). All excess over the $49,700 will come directly to Madonna del Sasso. Our wish is to replace the existing baptismal font with a new permanent font.